Fashionably Late

1 Year, 40 Weeks.


My apologies.

This blog post is later than usual.  I know that most expect it up on Friday, as I'm usually busy putting it all together by Thursday evening.  But to be honest, I was just a little burned out that day and wanted to do something aside from the weekly norm.  I was very lucky that Tangie was supportive of my need for escape and allowed me to just get out of the house for a few hours for some "me time".  And how does one spend those precious hours of peace and solitude?  Where can one go (at seven o'clock at night) for some quiet reflection and, even perhaps, get some moderate physical exercise all at the same time?  Why, a quick visit to the lighted course to play 9 holes of night golf, of course!

Remember last week when I was so tired?  Turned out that after I posted the blog I came down with a sore throat and cold, something I knew was coming all week as Braelyn had been sick the Monday previous.  So as soon as someone in the family goes down, you know that inevitably everyone else will catch it.  But what better way to get sick than to do it as a family, right?  As they say, the family that stays together, gets sick together!  So I caught the cold but it wasn't too intense, no fever or antibiotics needed, and got over it after just a couple days.  The twins caught it soon after and Tangie finished last.  But they're all on the mend and essentially all better.

So, once again, I'll fall back on the summary format and post some pictures.  I hope to have something to write about next week!

• Friday evening:  Met with Bergherms and Clarkes for dinner at the Ocoee Food Truck Pod.  Tried a new Swedish cuisine and had THE BEST HOTDOG OF MY LIFE, complete with...mashed potatoes?!?  Who would've thought?
• Sabbath we went to church and then just stayed home and enjoyed the wonderful weather in the backyard.
• Sunday morning we met up with the Grodacks and Bergherms (minus Bruce) to Sea World.  Lots of fun watching the kids enjoying themselves, just hanging out at the kiddie play area and skipped out on the shows.
• Wednesday we met with Jared for our weekly man date and had breakfast at our usual French restaurant in Winter Garden, and then took the kids to story time at the library and out to the park.  I took Braelyn to Adventurers later that evening.
• The remainder of the days were spent working and playing, picking up toys and cleaning around the house, cooking and running errands.  You know, same old same old.

Swedish food truck:  Best hotdog ever!

The three mommies enjoy some time socializing and catching up.

Isabella plays with Maddy on the stroller.

Maddy and Kohl under construction at Sabbath School.

Maddy gives baby Brady a smooch on the noggin.

Taking advantage of the play set.

The twins are getting a bit too big to share the hammock swing now.

Waiting for Mommy to finish making dinner.

Brae and Mommy made cookies afterwards.

Brae and Calleigh being goofy en route to Sea World.

Getting up close and personal.

The ice wall inside the polar exhibit.

Our noisy group making their way down the exhibit.

Watching the belugas floating vertically in the background.

Riding the spinning boat ride.

Duncan on daddy duty.

Getting ready to ride the Shamu coaster.

They loved it so much the girls rode again, this time up front!

About to be dropped on the crab ride.

Reaching out to pet the stingrays.  She would later get soaked by stingrays on a feeding frenzy!

Stuffing his mouth with food is a common occurrance.

Indulging on an afternoon ice cream cone.

Just enjoying the nice soft green grass...turf.

Kohl swings and checks up on Madelyn.

Introducing themselves to the Old Navy family.

Another new park to visit.

Playing follow the leader.

At the French restaurant with Isabella.

I don't know what she was doing here during story time.

Kohl was a little fidgety and wouldn't sit still.

Again, don't know what she was doing here.

Kohl and Jared on the see saw.

Maddy loves to catch Kohl coming down the slide.

Brae points out a chalk drawing she made at school.

Waiting for Mommy to come home before heading out to Adventurer's.

Sharing a weekly laugh on our Costco run.

Gotta get my rest...

...so I can have energy to play!

Another daily occurrance.  What a mess!

Mommy and Braelyn put together a Bible craft.

A couple of randoms:

Mmmm...and what person wouldn't want a few nice bottles of delicious clam juice?!?

A check from our title company in Illinois...no, Arizona...or Pennsylvania?

A few meals this week:

Sautéed chicken breast with artichoke stuffed Portobello mushrooms.

Make your own burritos.

Fig preserves, arugula, and bleu cheese on toasted French bread.

Chilean sea bass on mascarpone with white asparagus.

Have a great weekend!

Spent

1 Year, 39 Weeks.


It was a roller coaster of a week, both physically and emotionally.  It wasn't too busy, as most of our weeks are usually jam packed with activities, so I don't know why I'm so tired.  Perhaps it's because of a few late nights cleaning around the house or working on some projects after a full day with the kids.  Or, honestly, maybe it's because I'm still trying to get over our mind-numbing loss to the New England Patriots last Saturday night.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a bad sport.  I'll admit defeat when it's inevitable.  I'll even give credit when credit is due:  Brady had a fantastic game.  He couldn't miss, and his stats and records made that night proved it.  He was just the better quarterback, and he led the better team.  Heck, he even looks better than Tebow.  There, I said it.  Tom Brady is handsome.  Which is why Tebow couldn't win to save his life.  But what a run, what a season.  We are definitely going to have to keep an eye on the Broncos next year.

So, as I said, I'm pretty beat.  Therefore I am going to take a breather this week, keep it short and sweet, and just post some pictures.

I hope you don't mind.

Checking out the daily catch at our local Asian market.

Braelyn and Mommy brush each other's teeth!

Kohlden hammers away in Sabbath School.

Is she the one getting hammered?

Waving our colorful rainbow flags...hmmm

Lisa & Adam Deininger with Jennifer Bergherm at our house for a "roll your own" sushi party to watch the football game.

Option for those not eating sushi was "create your own" Pad Thai.

The set up in the living room, with "box seats" to watch the game.

Madelyn chowing down on sushi.  She loved the stuff!

Tangie, Kohl, & Luke D. a little outnumbered by all the Patriots fans.

Kohlden loved eating with chopsticks.

Sunday morning breakfast...order up!

The best part is eating still in your pajamas.

Helping to put away all the Christmas decorations, finally!

Having fun at the park, Tangie helps Brae on the swinging monkey bars.

I see, I saw...

And then they all decided to leave Mommy.

Getting some energy out!

Lunch at our local haunt, Winter Garden Pizza Company.

MLK day, another park.

Brae had school off and enjoyed hanging out with her sister.

Feeding the ducks at Lake something or other.

Getting a closer look.

They could pass off as twins!

And, you guessed it, another park!

Checking out the baked goodies with Isabella after breakfast at the French restaurant Sweet Traditions.

Kohl at story time at the library.

Back to the park again!  

Kohlden hanging around.

Loves the slide!

Happy big sister is home!

A few meals this week:

Grilled salmon rice bowl with sesame cucumber salad

A variation:  Cacio e pepe with peas and tomatoes

Roasted whole cornish rock hen with garlic mashed and portabella mushrooms

Quotable quote:

We continue practicing our prayers, especially at mealtimes.  Braelyn has kept saying the same thing during her prayers, and has it down pat.  So sometimes I have to step in and guide her:

     Brae:  "Dear Jesus, thank you for our day.  Please help me to grow big and strong, just like Jesus.
                In Jesus' name, Amen."
     Me:  "And thank you..."
     Brae:  [repeats]  "And thank you..."
     Me:  "...for our food..."
     Brae:  "...for our food..."
     Me:  "...help it to strengthen and nourish us..."
     Brae:  "...help it to strengthen and be delicious..."
     Me:  [trying hard to keep from laughing]  "...in Jesus' name..."
     Brae:  "Amen!"

Nourish us...delicious...same thing, right?

Have a great weekend!